Ariel Hukporti's season-ending Achilles tear has left the Philadelphia 76ers in need of a backup center, prompting the team to explore both external and internal options. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, potential external candidates include Jericho Sims of the Milwaukee Bucks and Moussa Cissé of the Dallas Mavericks. Internally, Adem Bona is poised to seize the opportunity for increased playing time following Hukporti's injury.
The Sixers face challenges due to their financial constraints, being approximately $1.8 million below the first apron, which limits their ability to make moves without cutting salary. Additionally, Hukporti will not be trade-eligible until December 15, meaning the team is currently focused on temporary solutions rather than a long-term fix. Bona, who averaged 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes per game last season, is expected to return to action two weeks into training camp, although he recently dealt with a foot sprain during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
As the Sixers navigate their options, they may utilize their last two-way roster spot for another backup big or consider salary moves, such as Jabari Walker's partially guaranteed contract. With the calendar pushing towards December, the team is weighing whether to pursue a signing, a waiver claim, or give Bona the first real chance at the backup center position.